The present invention provides a washing machine capable of improving the operating efficiency during cleaning thread scrap filter and adding softening agent and improving working convenience. Wherein, after the given time initiated from the switching on of power supply , a braking release step is carried out so that the electromagnetic drive device(braking release device 40)works and the laundering/dehydration barrel(4)is positioned under a rotary state. Thus, the laundering/dehydration barrel(4)can rotate easily even when the thread scrap filter(13)and the softening agent automatic bleeder(21)are blocked by the rear surface(17b)of the opening part(17a)of the upper frame(17); the working convenience of cleaning thread scrap filter and adding softening agent can be improved and the operation need only press a button, so the washing machine is convenient to be used.